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Archive for December, 2014

Thank you Laura for asking me to participate in this Around The World Blog Hop! I met Laura a couple of years ago while we were both teaching at the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show.

Laura Wasiloski’s approach to her art has similarities to mind. We both love color and texture. Learn about her fun approach to design and her layering process which includes hand stitching on her blog and then check out her Craftsy class.

Twelve years ago I was introduced to hand-dyed wool. I have never look back! It became my staple medium for my design process. What I love about it is the depth and texture it achieves when hand and machine stitched. My other love is Folk and Outsider Art. Having grown up in South Africa the art and vibrant colors of Africa has always been in my heart.

My work is a layering process where I use a wool background and layer my images with many layers of textural fabrics. The first layer would be the wool background, the second layer would be layering up the images until I achieve an appealing look, and the third layer is layering with embellishment stitching using a broad range of textural fibers.

Currently I am working on a series of small repetitive designs called ‘Journey Cloths’. I have gained much insight working through this series. They has pushed my creativity, instead of stitching a single image I have had to create multiples using different stitches and techniques. Also using multiple color palettes which all have to work together. It has been a great study in color. I am now working on my 10th pieces.

I have become totally intrigued with the dimension and texture I achieve by embroidering around the edges and the surfaces of appliqué especially using a wool background. It adds great character to the image, as well as, makes them very dimensional and textural.

My first technique book ‘Creative Stitching’ has 50 of my favorite stitches with many illustrations showing the use of stitches around and on appliqué. As well as, an invaluable section of needles and threads. In my second technique book, ‘Creative Texturing’, I documented my design process from start to finish. ‘Creative Texturing’ also includes other elements to add to your work and an updated needle chart and additional embellishment threads. I am a self taught embroiderer these books share all my tricks that I have learnt along the way.

Jen Kingwell of Jen Kingwell Designs, has been an advocate and at the for front for the revival of hand piecing and quilting. Her love of an eclectic mix of fabrics in every project is highlighted by her recently released range of fabric “Gardenvale” for Moda which will be in stores in April 2015. The quilting world is also eagerly awaiting FW media’s release of Jen’s new book “quilt lovely” in March 2015.

Kori Turner Goodhart, Owner of Olive Grace Studios is a pattern and design company as well as a little quilt shop. Kori’s style is somewhere between traditional and modern with a hint of vintage and whimsy. Most of her designs are pieced cotton patchworks and hand embroidery! Kori’s goal is to help people feel as inspired to create as she was and still is by the people that she loves.

Val Wells Kennedy is an artist. She designs textiles, create patterns for quilts, clothing and accessories. She loves to silk screen and block print on fabric, adding painting and embroidery. Her work is all about color and texture.

Have fun exploring all the creativity! Jen, Kori and Val will be posting on December 8th so don’t forget to mark your calendars.